Stent

Abstract

A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.

1. A stent, the stent comprising
 a plurality of struts arranged in strut pairs, each strut pair comprising two struts and a turn engaging the two struts, the plurality of strut pairs forming a serpentine path; 
 a plurality of connecting elements, each connecting element engaging two strut pairs to form a connected strut pair, each connected strut pair having two struts aligned on a first axis and two struts aligned on a second axis, the first and second axes intersecting one another, and the connecting element extends between the two struts aligned on the first axis; 
 wherein some but not all of the plurality of strut pairs have a connecting element engaged thereto. 
 
     
     
       2. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the turns of a connected strut pair are facing one another. 
     
     
       3. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein each connecting element has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first and second portions are parallel to one another. 
     
     
       4. The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the stent has a longitudinal axis, each connecting element having the same orientation to the longitudinal axis of the stent. 
     
     
       5. The stent of  claim 3 , wherein each connecting element comprises a middle portion, the middle portion extending between the first and second end portions, wherein the middle portion is curvilinear.